· Analysis: So, this was similar to and actually better than last night, but the pucks didn’t go into the net. It’s also more complicated than that. Michigan’s problem is that they have basically 1.5 scoring lines. Last night, Calderone netted a hat trick. Tonight, the DMC line didn’t score and neither did Michigan. Remember the CCM line? They had an additional 1.5 competent lines behind them. That is not the case this year. Michigan’s offense will seemingly go as their top line does. Also, MSU’s defense did a nice job of generally keeping Michigan from really great scoring chances all around.

[After THE JUMP: stats and discussion of defense, special teams, goaltending, and odd-man rushes. Also, a picture of a self-inflicted wedgie]

Analysis: Michigan overpowered an under-talented MSU team, tonight. This was by no means a bombs-away performance, but they controlled the puck against a team that they should dominate. By the third period, Michigan was getting into the slot with ease. Tony Calderone had a day, netting a hat trick. The offense was driven, again, primarily by the top DMC line. This was a desired and expected result. Doing the same tomorrow night will be a good sign.

[After THE JUMP: Full House. On the stat sheet. Look, it's a thing in hockey stats, okay?]

Analysis: Michigan did tally a number of attempts on net tonight. They did not, however, get many looks form the house. I’ve found over the last couple years of tracking a number of these stats that the average percentage of attempts from the house is near 40%. Michigan was at 30% tonight. Ohio State has the best defense I’ve seen Michigan play this year, and the numbers seem to back that up. Michigan’s goals came on a nice bounce on a shot from the point that evaded multiple skaters and jumped through Sean Romeo and a tap-in just outside the crease after some nifty passing with their goalie pulled. The few chances that they did create were met by Romeo, who played quite the game when called upon. OSU’s defense was the difference in this game.

Analysis: Michigan has definitely improved their offense this season. Tonight was further evidence of that. There was a spell in the second period where Michigan couldn’t stay out of the penalty box, but aside from that, they pretty much controlled the even-strength play. They created chances all over the ice and scored all four goals at even strength. Cooper Marody has really blossomed to the point that there are whispers in my hockey circle that he might be too good for the collegiate ranks. Tony Calderone has built upon his last couple of years by continuing to snipe and pour in goals. The offense is still only two lines deep, but that top line is starting to turn some heads. No comparisons yet, though, please.

[After THE JUMP: new shot-generating capabilites were present, but so were some bad old habits]

There are too many narratives for this game that can only be summed up in one word (JD Scott)

OFFENSE

Corsi

House

Possession %

First Period

14

6

56%

Second Period

11

3

39%

Third Period

19

5

70%

Overtime

8

3

66%

TOTAL

52

17

57%

Analysis: This was such an odd offensive performance again. Michigan tallied 52 attempts on net, though the majority of those came from the edges. I can live with that many shot attempts against a talented Gopher team, for sure. The odd part was more reflected in their ability to put pucks away with their few opportunities from in close. Michigan got deep in the slot or around the crease and scored five times in 15ish chances. That seems a little high to me, especially given that most of those were even strength. Minnesota also seemed to let up a little after stretching their lead to 6-3. Once again, Michigan took advantage of a few breakdowns in Minnesota’s defense. I will also say that it seemed that Michigan has developed two top scoring lines. They’re now a Top-5 offense and Minnesota is included in that sample size. If they can continue this one more week, things will be looking way up.

[After THE JUMP: how the defense fared, switching goaltenders, and winning Corsi]

This is an appropriate reaction to a game-winning header (Ryan McLoughlin)

OFFENSE

Corsi (Shot Attempts)

House (Crease to Dot to Dot)

Possession %

First Period

17

5

45%

Second Period

17

7

45%

Third Period

19

9

61%

Overtime

3

1

30%

TOTAL

56

22

48%

Analysis: This was a very encouraging result from Michigan. While they were slightly out-possessed, Michigan managed to create a lot of chances, especially as the game wore on. They dominated the third period and got into the House with regularity. They do rely a ton on their top two lines and the provided. Cooper Marody looked in control all night, tallying two assists, including a great hold behind the net and then finding a driving Slaker to tie the game. Tony Calderone also drove some play, sniped a corner, and led a 2v1, finding Ol’ Dex, who also sniped a corner. Michigan’s top two lines went against six drafted defensemen and held their own. They took and finished the chances they were given well. This is exactly what this offense needs to do.